keys to planting grass seed California Native No Mow Grass Seed Mixture

keys to planting grass seed California Native No Mow Grass Seed MixtureNotice: Pictures are general representations of seed mixtures. Actual results may vary due to seasonal and site conditions and cultural practices. DESCRIPTION California Native No Mow Grass Seed Mixture A mixture of California native grasses that establish quickly and exhibit a fine texture for an exceptional meadow appearance. It can be used in a variety of landscape situations as a low water use alternative to other turf and ground cover areas. It

Notice: Pictures are general representations of seed mixtures.  Actual results may vary due to seasonal and site conditions and cultural practices.

DESCRIPTION

California Native No Mow Grass Seed Mixture
A mixture of California native grasses that establish quickly and exhibit a fine texture for an exceptional meadow appearance. It can be used in a variety of landscape situations as a low water use alternative to other turf and ground cover areas. It can be either mowed or left un-mowed. Grasses in this mixture are classified as “California Friendly” by California Water Agencies and recommended for use in landscapes as a low water user.

CHARACTERISTICS

USES
• Turfgrass • Golf Course Roughs • Roadsides • Slopes • Erosion Control • Commercial Sites • Medians • Parks

Specifications:  NATIVE NO MOW SEED MIXTURE

Molate Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra ‘Molate’). Perennial, cool season, fine textured native bunch grass that also spreads by rhizomes. An attractive ornamental grass either mown or unmown. Popular for natural landscapes and low maintenance buffer areas.

Western Mokelumne Fescue (Festuca occidentalis ‘Mokelumne’). Selection of Western Fescue from California. A bunch grass that grows up to 24 inches high. In sun to part shade. Deer resistant.

Idaho Fescue (Festuca idahoensis). Perennial, cool season native bunch grass. Native to Western North America and common in California. Densely clumping, long lived perennial grass growing 12-24 inches high.

SEEDING RATES
Suggested seeding rate for new establishment is 1.5 pounds per 1,000 square feet or 70 pounds per acre. Lighter rates can be used for overseeding depending on the existing stand.

ESTABLISHMENT
Best times for seeding are September through April. Summer seeding can be achieved with supplemental irrigation.
Weed control prior to seeding with glyphosate is recommended.
Seed-to-soil contact is critical for success either by seed drilling, hydroseeding or hand seeding with mulching.
In the absence of natural rainfall, short, frequent applications of water are necessary for 4-6 weeks.

CULTURAL INFORMATION

Water Requirements
The native grasses in this mixture will withstand prolonged periods of drought. If some green vegetation is desired then supplemental summer irrigation is necessary. If no summer irrigation is provided the grasses will become a dormant golden color and green up in the fall with rainfall. It is recommended that supplemental irrigation is supplied through one summer season in order for the grasses to establish deep root systems.

Climate Conditions 
This seed mixture is suitable for foothill, valley and coastal regions of California.

Soil Conditions
This mixture performs best in clay or sandy soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 8.5.

Fertilization
Use of a starter fertilizer when seeding is highly recommended. While fertilizer on native grasses is not critical it is recommended to promote growth and increase establishment. Fertilize during periods of active growth in Spring and Fall with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid using products with a high nitrogen (N) content as such use increases water usage. Apply no more than 4 pounds of N per 1,000 square feet per year.

Mowing
It is not necessary to mow this mixture but it can be mowed if a neater look is desired. Mowing height should be no lower than 2 inches. Never mow more than 1/3 of the leaf blade on a mowing cycle.

CLICK HERE for instructions on planting and maintaining native grasses.